Why the long face?

Aside from saving horses, the Ausable Equine Center offers trails rides as well

Story by Amanda Smith

My friend, Emma, and I were the first to ride for the spring season on that beautiful Easter Sunday morning. Travis DeValinger, manager of the Ausable Equine Center, met us at a new trail site in Keeseville rather than at their regular spot in Ausable Chasm. I forgot it was a holiday when I called to make the appointment so when I got to the meeting place, I was grateful he met us at all.

We picked Ausable Equine Center because, as college students, we needed to make sure we got the most bang for our “buck.” We didn’t want to pay much for gas and the equine center was the closest place for the least dollar amount.

After taking scenic Route 9 most of the way, we arrived at the riding spot across the street from a cemetery. We pulled onto the dirt driveway, which led to a house. We were confused as to whether or not we had the right address because there were no horses in sight. Our puzzlement didn’t end until we saw the horse trailer and horses tied to it as we drove a bit farther down the dirt road.

While filling out the paper-work, DeValinger went through it with us and explained that anything can happen because animals are unpredictable. Now knowing the risks we faced, we happily signed the papers that said we couldn’t sue if were injured or happened to die while riding.

When notified we would have to spend $3 each to use our credit cards in addition to the $45, we were a touch annoyed. If this were a big group, I’m sure they would have been outraged. Simply letting us know beforehand would have been nice, that’s all.

"We’re up for exploring."

He then gave us a description of the horses’ personalities and what the Ausable Equine Center did for horses needing to be rescued before giving us a short fifteen minute riding lesson.

DeValinger forgot to bring a stepping stool so we had to put our feet in the stirrups and try to pull ourselves up onto the horse. With such little arm strength, I felt like an idiot trying to climb onto my massive horse that’s back stood just a bit taller than my 5’5 body. I didn’t blame him for not bringing the stool though. It was embarrassing, but it was all part of the experience.

I was the first to get onto the horse and both DeValinger and Emma were still on the ground. Sitting atop the horse felt glorious, as if I was sitting on top of the world. The saying, “get off your high horse” meant something different to me now; I don’t know what, but it just did.

Conversation flowed freely as we hiked up the dirt and asphalt hill to the top of the waterfall. We could only see the running river flow by, but not the waterfall itself. Due to the fact that he didn’t survey his friend’s private trails, we went down three dead ends and spent the whole hour and 45 minutes going and coming back.

The trail was calm and quiet; I don’t think I saw as much as a squirrel. The ride was so tranquil and relaxing, yet a hint of excitement as we discovered the grounds on our own terms.

“We’re up for exploring,” I told him.

Since he hadn’t surveyed the land yet, what else could I say? It was better to stay positive than pretend to have a good time.

DeValinger reminded me of the Brawny Paper Towel man with softer facial features and minus the mustache. I couldn’t put my finger on why, but I felt like I could trust him with my life. Maybe it was because I recognized his gentle nature when he began to speak about the horses he and his wife, Natalia, have rescued, the way he made sure we understood what we were signing, or perhaps it was because, while on the trail, he constantly looked back to ensure we were doing well.

“Are you okay back there?” he said. “Still having fun?”

Although the black beauty I was riding, Johnny Cash, didn’t get high scores when trying to follow directions, he was amusing. After hearing about Johnny’s rescue, I found his unbridled spirit and spunky attitude to be quite inspirational and heartfelt. As we walked through the brush, I felt one with the horse as if I were a centaur, even if when I tried to slightly pull back the reins to make him stop and he would pull his head down to keep them out of my grasp.

After getting back to the house and horse trailer, the land-owners came out to ask how the ride was. Normally, I get anxious when meeting new people, but DeValinger and the land-owners were so friendly and approachable that my nervousness immediately fell by the wayside. The extra 45 minute trail ride that was originally only an hour long made up for DeValinger’s mistake of not checking out the land in advance.

DeValinger was lucky we weren’t nit-picking tourists from the city because they probably would have complained the whole way, but we were thankful he even took us on a holiday.

What it came down to was the personality of the congenial, trustworthy guide that made the experience worth it. At the end of the day, we got the most bang for our “buck” within a fifteen-mile radius on our peaceful journey through the Adirondacks on horseback.

APN gives the Ausable Equine Center a 3 out of 5.

Would you go on a trail ride with Ausable Equine Center?

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